The second day of the 6th Bi-Annual Private Sector CEO Forum convened in Fort Portal, with tourism taking centre stage as both government and private sector leaders mapped out strategies to unlock the sector’s full potential under Uganda’s forthcoming Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV).
While delivering her keynote address, Doreen Katusiime, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA), hailed the resilience of Uganda’s tourism sector, describing it as a cornerstone of socio-economic transformation.
She revealed that Uganda welcomed 1.37 million international arrivals and 2.8 million domestic visitors in FY 2024/25, generating UGX 6.3 trillion in expenditure.
“This growth reflects strategic government investments in infrastructure and security, as well as strong collaboration with the private sector and development partners,” the permanent secretary noted.
Highlighting milestones, Katusiime pointed to ongoing product diversification efforts at the Source of the Nile, Rwenzori mountaineering circuits and cultural heritage sites, alongside intensified global marketing under the Explore Uganda – The Pearl of Africa brand.
“Capacity building is also at the core of sector reform, with both the Hotel and Tourism Training Institute and the Wildlife Research and Training College being upgraded into regional centers of excellence,” she added.
While celebrating progress, MTWA’s permanent secretary admitted persistent bottlenecks such as poor infrastructure in certain destinations, skills gaps, insecurity, and the impacts of climate change.
Looking ahead, she reaffirmed government’s commitment to modernizing infrastructure, scaling up digital innovations like the Tourism Information Management System (TIMS) and expanding connectivity to position tourism as an anchor sector in NDP IV’s implementation.
“We must deepen collaboration. Together, we can position Uganda as a leading destination in Africa and the world,” Katusiime urged.
The call for focus and execution was amplified by Dr. Joseph Muvawala, the executive director of the National Planning Authority, who stressed the need for prioritization. “Talk is done; time for execution,” he said, noting Uganda’s fiscal space challenges.
He called for urgent government investment in strategic tourism roads including Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi, Kisoro–Nkuringo–Rubanguri, Ishasha–Katunguru and many others saying such infrastructure is essential to catalyze private sector growth.
Panel discussions under the theme “Activities, Amenities and Accommodation in line with NDP IV” further spotlighted the role of creatives, film, hospitality, and community participation.
Bugweri legislator Racheal Magoola decried the fragmentation of Uganda’s creative industry across six ministries, calling for a consolidation law to unify and empower artists as key contributors to tourism.
Film producer Mathew Nabwiiso underscored the need for a national film fund, creator incubators, and affordable data access to help Uganda’s creative economy compete globally.
From the hospitality front, Mike Sanders of Marasa Africa emphasized tackling gaps at entry points, boosting connectivity to key markets, and creating favorable tax regimes that encourage long-term investment.
Meanwhile, Richard Kawere, the Principal of UHTTI, revealed ongoing partnerships with Kenya and Tanzania to improve hospitality training and urged stronger linkages with facility owners to provide practical experience for Uganda’s 8,000 hospitality students.
The deliberations underscored a shared vision: bridging gaps in infrastructure, policy, and skills while fostering public-private partnerships that can accelerate Uganda’s tourism competitiveness
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